Julio Enciso
StrasbourgCF
Playmaking Forward
Jan 23, 2004 (22)
Right
5'8"
141 lb
Sour end to strong World Cup
Enciso had one tackle (one won) in Saturday's 1-0 defeat against France.
Analysis: Enciso couldn't carry his previous reliability to the most difficult test of the competition, with his nation eliminated in the round of 16. The forward finished with a slight physical problem, but it appeared to be more due to fatigue rather than an injury. He was ultimately deployed as a striker while also moving near the left wing and taking occasional corner kicks. As for his decisive contributions, he made his presence felt in each of Paraguay's goals, scoring once and providing two assists across five starts.
Cleared for France clash
Enciso (knock) has recovered from the knock he sustained during the victory over Germany and is available for Saturday's round of 16 clash against France, according to La Tribuna.
Analysis: Enciso's recovery is an encouraging development for Paraguay heading into one of the most significant fixtures in the country's recent footballing history. The concern that had arisen following his substitution against Germany has passed, and coach Gustavo Alfaro will have his attacking option fully available for the Philadelphia showdown against France.
Departs with apparent injury
Enciso left Monday's game against Germany in the second half with an apparent muscular injury.
Analysis: Enciso, who scored Paraguay's opener late in the first half with a thumping header, left the contest with an apparent muscular strain. Mauricio took his place in the final third, and Enciso's status is worth monitoring if Paraguay get past Germany in the Round of 32. He's critical for Paraguay's chances of success, with one goal and two assists so far in the tournament.
Attempts two shots in tie
Enciso had two shots (zero on goal) in Thursday's 0-0 draw versus Australia.
Analysis: Enciso led the line and was involved in several of Paraguay's best attacking moves, including a dangerous chance that saw Jackson Irvine block his effort inside the box as La Albirroja pushed for the goal that would have secured automatic qualification. He logged the full 90 minutes but found little room to operate against Australia's organized back line, finishing with two shots, none of which tested the goalkeeper. Paraguay's fate now depends on results elsewhere, with their poor goal difference leaving their hopes of advancing as one of the best third-placed teams hanging by a thread.
Assists second consecutive match
Enciso assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal), two crosses (two accurate) and four chances created in Friday's 1-0 win against Turkey.
Analysis: Enciso delivered a well-timed layoff to Matias Galarza to set up the opening goal in the second minute of the match. The assist gives Enciso two in the tournament, making him a standout creative force in the Paraguay attack. His creativity has been the highlight of an offense that has relied on clinical finishing over volume, with one goal proving enough to secure three points. Paraguay enter their next match against Australia as favorites, presenting another opportunity for Enciso to build on his strong start to the tournament.
Assists in loss to USA
Encisio took two shots (off target), created one big chance, and assisted on Paraguay's lone goal in Friday's 4-1 loss to the United States. He also suffered four fouls during the match.
Analysis: Enciso worked hard and attempted to carry Paraguay's attack, but he was largely neutralized by a dominant U.S. performance. Returning from a recent injury scare and facing constant defensive attention, he was unable to produce the game-changing moments Paraguay needed. While not one of his most influential international performances, his willingness to demand the ball and drive forward remained one of the few bright spots for Paraguay in an otherwise difficult 4-1 defeat.
Starting at forward
Enciso (thigh) is in the starting XI for Friday's match against the USA.
Analysis: Enciso is back in action Friday and is not just fit, as the attacker has done one better by making the starting XI immediately. The attacker will be set as one of Paraguay's more important players, playing in the top five leagues in Europe, notching three goals and six assists in 27 appearances with Strasbourg. That said, Paraguay's attack, made up of Diego Gomez, Miguel Almiron, Antonio Sanabria and Enciso, could be a scary sight for opposing teams.
Ready for minutes in opener
Enciso is available and expected to play some minutes in the opening match against the United States, according to according to Wilson Gonzalez Bronce of Rock&Pop Paraguay
Analysis: Enciso gave Paraguay fans a scare when he was withdrawn after just 25 minutes in the friendly against Nicaragua, but tests came back positive and his condition has improved steadily since. Coach Gustavo Alfaro's evaluation points to him being available for some minutes, though whether he will be ready to start remains uncertain.
Progressing well, facing late test
Enciso (thigh) "is doing very well. We're going to finish evaluating him today and wait. Hopefully, he'll be alright, because that's what we all want.", Paraguay's national team manager Gustavo Alfaro said ahead of Friday's World Cup match against United States.
Analysis: Enciso has shown positive signs in his recovery and should have a chance to appear in his country's World Cup opener if he continues to feel well. The Strasbourg attacker is among the most talented players on the Paraguayan roster, so he should eventually take a starting role either as a center-forward of left winger, although Friday's clash might come too soon for him to log a lot of minutes. As soon as Enciso is ready to play, both Miguel Almiron and Mauricio could see their playing time reduced.
Could play vs. USMNT
Enciso (thigh) is in contention to start against USA on Friday, according to Alvaro Aponte of VS Sports.
Analysis: Enciso was expected to miss the World Cup opener after sustaining an injury against Nicaragua, but the Strasbourg playmaker has recovered more quickly than expected and could be available Friday. If deemed fit enough, Enciso could move to the starting lineup alongside Antonio Sanabria upfront.
New MRI confirms minor issue
Enciso (thigh) underwent another MRI scan, which revealed he's still dealing with a muscle contusion but has avoided a tear, although he's likely to sit out the World Cup opener against United States, Miguel Caceres of ABC Deportes reports.
Analysis: Enciso will continue to recover from his muscle injury, with Paraguay's coaching staff trying to be careful so that the key player avoids a relapse. Having taken part in ball drills already, he could aim to return after his likely exclusion from the first group-stage game. Until then, there could be a rare opportunity for either Mauricio or Ramon Sosa to produce on the left flank.
Trains with ball
Enciso (thigh) was spotted walking, running and working with the ball during Paraguay's first training session in the United States at the Spartan Soccer Complex in San Jose, with additional medical examinations showing notable improvement in the affected right thigh area, according to ABC.
Analysis: Enciso had been carried off on a stretcher in tears during the friendly against Nicaragua, making the positive signs at training an enormous relief for the entire Paraguay camp. A specialist in ultrasound has been added to the delegation to monitor his condition minute by minute, and while the coaching staff plan to manage his return carefully to ensure a complete recovery, his World Cup participation now looks considerably more optimistic than the initial diagnosis suggested.
Set to miss two games
Enciso (thigh) suffered an injury in Friday's 4-0 victory against Nicaragua is expected to miss Paraguay's first two World Cup group stage fixtures and is targeting a return for the third match against Australia, according to ABC Deportes.
Analysis: Enciso's three-week recovery timeline rules him out of the opener against the United States on June 12 and the second group game, with Mauricio expected to take on a larger role in the attacking lineup during his absence. Paraguay will be hoping their key attacking weapon can return in time for the Australia fixture and potentially influence the outcome of what could be a decisive final group stage clash.
Three assists in finale
Enciso assisted thrice to go with two shots (zero on goal), three crosses (zero accurate) and one corner in Sunday's 5-4 victory versus Monaco.
Analysis: Enciso helped lead a shocking comeback win in Sunday's season finale, recording three assists in the win over Monaco. His late season surge capped off an up-and-down debut season with Strasbourg where he recorded nine goal contributions (three goals and six assists) across 27 appearances, five of which came during the final three matches of the season.
Delivers assist on Wednesday
Enciso made an assist and had two shots (one on target) during Wednesday's 2-1 win over Brest.
Analysis: Enciso had a great first half, being involved in the play that led to his team's first goal and then assisting the second in less than 20 minutes. That's now three goals and three assists over 26 Ligue 1 appearances for the attacker, who had a lot of ups and downs during the campaign but at least is playing closer to the level everyone expects from him as of late.
Scores in start
Enciso scored one goal to go with nine shots (three on goal), four crosses (zero accurate) and one corner in Sunday's 1-1 draw against Angers.
Analysis: For the first time since March 15, Enciso logged a start as an attacking midfielder. Thereafter, two of his last three starts have him score a goal, marking his best run of offensive form this season.
Beginning rehabilitation
Enciso (knee) has started rehabilitation, according to manager Fabian Hurzeler. "Julio doesn't have a big injury. He's back in rehab training. It's very important that the players know our thoughts and our plans for the future. We always have an open conversation with Julio, and we will see what happens in the next days."
Analysis: Enciso is just beginning to see his first steps in a return from knee surgery, as the attacker was announced to have started his rehab. That said, he is likely still a few weeks to a month out from nearing a return, hoping that he can see the training field soon and break through to the next steps of his comeback.
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